Game device



H. P. RUEH LE Oct. 29, 1963 GAME DEVICE Filed Nov. 24, 1961 Harry R Rush/e INVENTOR.

BY WW 19m United States Patent i 3,108,867 GAME DEVIQE Harry P. Ruehle, 118 Huron, Mount Clemens, Mich. Filed Nov. 24, 1961, Ser- No. 154,782 3 Claims. (Cl. 273-96) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in games of the ball and receptacle type and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a device of this character the successful playing of which requires the exercise of considerable skill and muscular coordination.

Another highly important object of the present invention is to provide an improved game device of the aforementioned character whioh will provide considerable amusement for both young and old.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide a game of the aforementioned character in which any desired number of players may participate.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a game device of the character described which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, cornpact, of light weight, safe and which may be manufac tured at low cost.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part hereof, wherein like 'numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a game device constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view thereof; and

FIGURE 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view on an enlarged scale through one end portion of the device, taken substantially on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a rod or shaft 4 of suitable material, preferably plastic. Of course, the rod or shaft 4- may also be of any desired length and diameter. Fixed on the ends of the rod or shaft dis a pair of duplicate cups or receptacles 5. The cups 5, which may also be of any desired dimensions, are for the reception of a free ball 6.

Fixed at longitudinally spaced points on intermediate portions of the rod or shaft 4 is a pair of handles or grips 7 of circular cross-section. The handles or grips 7 which also are preferably of plastic are integral with the rod or shaft 4. Furthermore, the handles or grips 7 are spaced equidistantly from the ends of the shaft 4 and the respective cups or receptacles 5.

It is thought that the use of the device will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, the shaft 4 is held in the hands through the medium of the handles 7 with the ball 6 reposing in either of the Bdhhfifi? Patented 0st. 29, 1%63 ice cups 5. Then, by manipulating the shaft 4 in an obvious manner the ball 6 may be tossed from the cup 5 in which it is reposing and, of course, the object is to catch said ball in the other cup. In FIGURE 1 of the drawing the path of the ball when so tossed is indicated by the broken line 8. At the option of the player the ball 6 may also be caught in the same cup from which it has been thrown. It will be observed that the ball 6 is free or untethered. Thus, the ball may be thrown as high as desired in the air and caught, either on the fly or on the bounce. handles 7 on the shaft 4 is especially important, being such as to facilitate manipulation of said shaft for tossing the ball from and catching said ball in either cup from the same position. When the ball 6 drops into either of the cups 5, the device is' in a natural position to permit said ball to be immediately returned to the other cup simply by reversing the movement of the shaft 4. Thus, the ball may be thrown rapidly back and forth for added amusement. The cups 5 also are preferably of plastic. 7

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A game device comprising a shaft, cups on the ends of the shaft opening in the same direction and adapted to selectively receive a free ball upon manipulation of said shaft, and a pair of handles mounted at spaced points on the shaft and in inwardly spaced relation to the ends of said shaft for manipulating same.

2. A game device of the character described comprising a straight shaft, ball receiving cups on the ends of said shaft opening in the same direction, and a pair of spaced, right angularly extending handles of circular cross-section on intermediate portions of the shaft and spaced a material distance from the ends thereof.

3. A game device in accordance with claim 2, and a free ball adapted to be tossed from either cup and caught in the other cup.

References (Iited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Germany June 27,

The location of the right angularly extending 

1. A GAME DEVICE COMPRISING A SHAFT, CUPS ON THE ENDS OF THE SHAFT OPENING IN THE SAME DIRECTION AND ADAPTED TO SELECTIVELY RECEIVE A FREE BALL UPON MANIPULATION OF SAID SHAFT, AND A PAIR OF HANDLES MOUNTED AT SPACED POINTS ON THE SHAFT AND IN INWARDLY SPACED RELATION TO THE ENDS OF SAID SHAFT FOR MANIPULATING SAME. 